Paul Reubens, Pee-Wee Herman Star, Dead At 70

Actor Paul Reubens, who rose to fame as the popular children's character Pee-wee Herman, has died at the age of 70. 

Reuben's official Instagram account announced that the beloved and sometimes controversial star passed away after a battle with cancer. "Last night we said farewell to Paul Reubens, an iconic American actor, comedian, writer, and producer whose beloved character Pee-wee Herman delighted generations of children and adults with his positivity, whimsy and belief in the importance of kindness," read the statement. "Paul bravely and privately fought cancer for years with his trademark tenacity and wit. A gifted and prolific talent, he will forever live in the comedy pantheon and in our hearts as a treasured friend and man of remarkable character and generosity of spirit."

Although Ruebens would go on to star in a long list of film and TV roles, his original character Pee-wee Herman, whom he played in his TV show "Pee-wee's Playhouse" and the Tim Burton-directed movie "Pee-wee's Big Adventure," cemented him as a beloved children's entertainer. Unfortunately, legal troubles Reubens encountered after the end of his TV series damaged his family-friendly image. Nonetheless, his death has inspired his fans to remember his multi-decade career.  

Reuben's family has yet to speak out about his passing.

When his death was announced, Reuben's team included a pre-written statement from Reubens, explaining his decision to keep his condition private. 

"Please accept my apology for not going public with what I've been facing for the last six years," said Reubens' statement, which was written just one day before his death (via Instagram). "I have always felt a huge amount of love and respect from my friends, fans and supporters. I have loved you all so much and enjoyed making art for you." Reuben's team also presented the actor's final request. "Paul asked that any expressions of sympathy be made in his honor of his late parents, Judy and Milton Rubenfeld, to Stand Up to Cancer or organizations involved in Dementia and Alzheimer's care, support and research," continued the statement.

News of Reuben's death has led his fans to mourn his loss of life and the fond memories they have of his work. "Another piece of my childhood gone. rip to legend pee-wee," tweeted one fan. Another user tweeted screenshots of Reuben in various roles. They captioned the collage, "REST IN PEACE TO PAUL REUBENS AKA PEE WEE HERMAN this f***ing SUCKS."

Dozens of celebrities mourned the loss of Paul Reubens, many of who guest-starred with him at some point in his long career. Cher said goodbye on her Twitter account, quoting a line from Shakespeare's "Hamlet." Conan O'Brien remembered Paul Reubens for his "magic, generosity, artistry, and devout silliness." Actor Natasha Lyonne, who appeared on "Pee-wee's Playhouse" as a child said in part, "Thank you for my career."

However, Reuben's shady past left a stain on his legacy.

In 1991, just after the final season of "Pee-wee's Playhouse," Reubens was arrested for indecent exposure at an adult movie theater, per Yahoo. Reuben's proximity to family-friendly media made this an especially concerning scandal for the actor. CBS responded by ending re-runs of the TV series. He lost sponsorships and roles. Reubens denied any wrongdoing. 

Over a decade later, Reubens faced even more serious charges after he was accused of possessing indecent material. Per CBS, Reubens plead guilty to obscenity charges in 2004 and received three years of probation. A misdemeanor charge of child pornography was dismissed.

Reubens' lawyer, Blair Berk, said the photographs were part of an extensive collection of vintage nude art maintained by the actor. "That mischaracterizes the art collection seized," shared Berk in a statement. "If that means a black-and-white tintype from 1901 with a young man of indeterminate, 17- to 19-year-old age, laying on the beach after having gone skinny-dipping then they got it." Berk added, "It was clear from the start that we, along with the many distinguished art experts supporting Paul's art photography collection, vehemently disagreed with the city prosecutor's view of what constitutes art." Ultimately, Reubens served his probation and paid a $100 fine. The judge assigned to the case also ruled that Reubens had to participate in a year-long counseling program. 

Reubens would go on to make dozens of guest appearances in films and TV shows including "Buffy the Vampire Slayer," "30 Rock" and "Batman Returns." In 2010, he starred in a Broadway production of "The Pee-wee Herman Show."